Cancer Rehabilitation Access Remains Limited Despite growing Programs & evidence, La Trobe Research Shows
Melbourne, Australia – Despite a notable increase in the number of cancer rehabilitation programs available in Australia and strong clinical recommendations for exercise as part of cancer care, access remains severely limited for survivors.New research from La Trobe University highlights a critical gap between evidence-based practice and patient access too vital rehabilitation services.
The number of cancer rehabilitation programs across Australia has more than doubled, rising from 31 in 2015 to 76 in 2024. This growth coincides with guidelines from the Clinical Oncology Society of Australia (COSA) recommending exercise as best practice in cancer care as 2018. though, Dr Amy Dennett, a physiotherapist at Eastern Health and researcher at La Trobe’s School of Allied Health, Human Services and Sport, reports that currently only one in 65 Australian cancer survivors can enroll in oncology rehabilitation annually.
“Exercise is one of the most powerful tools we have to help people recover from cancer,” Dr Dennett stated. “Mounting evidence demonstrates its key role in addressing the physical and psychological challenges faced by cancer survivors,including managing fatigue,mood,physical function,and quality of life.”
A recent survey revealed that 44% of respondents identified a lack of funding as a major challenge to the sustainability of these programs. In 2024, increasing numbers of cancer survivors utilizing general rehabilitation programs (48%) and advocacy from oncologists (44%) where cited as key factors driving the establishment of new oncology rehabilitation programs.
The research also suggests a potential economic benefit to increased access.Evidence indicates exercise during cancer treatment can reduce hospital admissions and length of stay, potentially easing the burden on the healthcare system.
Programs typically run for 11 weeks, three times per week, and incorporate exercise alongside education on nutrition, fatigue management, and self-management strategies. telehealth services are becoming increasingly common, with 45% of programs offering video conferencing and 53% offering phone-based support, improving access for those in regional and rural areas.
with over 500,000 five-year cancer survivors in Australia,the disease represents a significant health burden. Dr Dennett points out a disparity in rehabilitation services, noting that cancer is now considered a chronic disease, yet referral pathways for oncology rehabilitation are lagging behind those for cardiac or pulmonary rehabilitation.Australia has approximately 400 cardiac and pulmonary rehabilitation services – five times the number of oncology programs.
“This research shows there’s an urgent need for better funding, training and referral pathways to ensure more cancer survivors benefit from tailored oncology rehabilitation programs,” Dr Dennett concluded. “Rehabilitation should be a core part of cancer care – not an optional extra.”
The research was published with DOI: https://doi.org/10.1111/ajco.70003.
Media enquiries:
Debora McInnes – d.mcinnes@latrobe.edu.au, 0487 448 734